FIFA has calculated its own carbon footprint for the 2022 World Cup. It found it was going to be creating 3.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The main way in which this is going to attempt to be carbon-neutral is to buy carbon credits in exchange for the carbon sins they've committed. But yeah, I mean, these are astronomical numbers.
It’s supposed to be the first ever carbon neutral World Cup. Organisers Fifa and host Qatar say they have implemented sustainability initiatives, taken measures to limit carbon output and will offset greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing credits. Fifa has admitted, however, that the tournament’s carbon footprint will bigger than any of its predecessors, and experts believe emissions have been underestimated, calling into question the claim of carbon neutrality. Madeleine Finlay speaks to sports reporter Paul MacInnes about the environmental burden of building stadiums, flying in players and fans from around the world and keeping the pitches green, and asks whether football is really ready to face up to its carbon footprint. Help support our independent journalism at
theguardian.com/sciencepod